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“Ready for the big day?” Caleb called from behind me, struggling with an enormous bunch of tulips to fill the vases on every table.
“Am I ever!” I replied, tossing my bag on the nearest chair and giving him a hand with the flowers. A smile tugged at my lips as I remembered the whirlwind year we’d shared - not just the triumphs but the trials that had brought us closer together. From enemies to lovers, who would’ve thought?
“Hey, remember when you first waltzed into my café like you owned the place? Well, I guess you kinda did…” I teased, flicking the switch to start brewing our signature blend.
“Ah, yes, your charming welcome still warms my heart,” he shot back, rolling his eyes playfully. “But hey, look at us now.”
“Indeed,” I said, leaning against the counter. “From fighting over land deals to creating the perfect Anniversary Blend together. If someone had told me back then that we’d end up like this, I would’ve laughed in their face.”
“Yet here we are,” Caleb agreed, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me close. “And I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Neither would I,” I admitted, resting my head on his shoulder briefly before breaking away. “But we’ve got work to do, Mr. CEO-turned-barista.”
“Right you are, boss lady,” he replied with a mock salute.
As I filled the machines with fresh beans and water, my thoughts drifted back to the unwavering support of our little community. The love that had blossomed between Caleb and me was just one piece of the puzzle—it was the people, the connections, that made Pebble’s Brew the heart and soul of Pebble Point.
“Morning, Zoe!” called out Sam, as he strolled into the café. “I’ve been dreaming about that Anniversary Blend all night!”
“Morning, Sam! You’re in for a treat,” I replied with a wink, already preparing her usual order. “Caleb and I put our hearts into it.”
As more customers filled Pebble’s Brew, excited chatter buzzed through the air, conversations laced with anticipation for the latest addition to our menu. I darted from table to table, taking orders and chatting with familiar faces. At the same time, Caleb manned the coffee machines, expertly crafting each cup.
“Zoe, this blend is amazing!” Dr. Aspen, as he took his first sip. “You two outdid yourselves.”
“Thank you, Dr. Aspen,” I said, beaming with pride. “Caleb’s got quite the talent for coffee, right?”
“Who would’ve thought?” Tom chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. “From suits and ties to aprons and lattes.”
“Life’s full of surprises,” I agreed, my eyes meeting Caleb’s across the café. We exchanged private smiles, knowing just how far we’d come together.
“Zoe, can I get a refill?” asked Sarah, a young mother who now frequented our cozy corner. “This might be my new favorite.”
“Of course, Sarah!” I replied, bustling over to the counter. “I’ll have Caleb whip one up for you right away.”
“Much appreciated!” she called after me, cradling her baby bump tenderly.
As I relayed Sarah’s request to Caleb, our fingers brushed against each other, sending a familiar spark through my veins. Our silent conversation continued, words unnecessary as we reveled in our shared journey, the love that had grown between us, and the future that awaited us.
“Here you go, Sarah,” I said, returning to her table with a steaming mug of our Anniversary Blend. “Enjoy!”
“Thanks, Zoe,” she smiled warmly, taking a careful sip. “You two are the perfect team.”
“Thank you,” I replied, my heart swelling with joy and gratitude. “We’re just getting started.”
***
Mid-morning sunlight filtered through the café windows, casting a warm glow on the bustling crowd. The door swung open with a cheerful jingle as the deliveryman wheeled in boxes of our anniversary merchandise. My heart swelled with pride as I caught sight of the mugs and T-shirts emblazoned with Pebble’s Brew logo.
“Zoe! The merch is here!” Jamie, my perpetually enthusiastic brother, announced as he rushed over to unpack the boxes.
“Finally!” I replied, grinning. “People have been asking about them all morning.”
“Where should we set up the display?” Jamie asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Right by the register,” I said, gesturing towards the counter. “So everyone can see it!”
As we arranged the merchandise, customers eagerly snapped up the keepsakes. I watched with gratitude as they debated their favorites.
